Pope’s visit to Holy Land relies on careful diplomacy

Pope Benedict XVI is navigating a delicate visit to the Holy Land, trying to show support for Jews and Palestinians despite their deep differences.As I read this New York Times story , I could feel the egg shells he’s walking on as he showed reverence to the Western Wall and the Jews and the Dome of the Rock and Palestinians.

Many Jews and Palestinians are glad he’s there and express general support for his benevolent overtures.But given that area’s history, it’s difficult not to generate criticism and have at least one disruption, such as one that took place during an interfaith gathering aimed at broadening peaceful discussion. The Times article reported that Sheik Taysir Tamimi, who is the chief justice of the Palestinian Islamic courts, “veered from the program and accused Israel of taking innocent lives.”Some Jewish leaders also have been upset that Benedict hasn’t directly blamed the Nazis and Germany, his homeland, in his condemnations of the Holocaust. The Vatican already has a sticky issue with Israel with how he reinstated four previously excommunicated bishops, one of whom made headlines for denying the severity of the Holocaust.Most probably agree it’s good he’s there. It’s better than ignoring the complex tensions of the Holy Land.Still, I’m sure many question what positive change it’ll produce long after he returns to Rome.What do you think?